Farina Foundation

10/14/2026

🎻 This is why we do what we do.

Recently, we received a very special letter from 10th grader Rachel Gianna, a young musician with a true passion for the cello.

Rachel shared that music has been part of her life for years, but when she tried the cello for the first time, something clicked.

In her words, “WOW! ...I fell ‘in love’!” 🎶

Inspired in part by hearing Yo-Yo Ma perform Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Rachel began taking cello lessons and quickly discovered that this was an instrument she wanted to continue pursuing.

After recently moving to Pennsylvania, Rachel took another big step in her musical journey — auditioning for and being accepted into the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Strings Class.

In her letter to us, Rachel wrote:

“Today, I would like to please request that you thoughtfully consider granting me the incredibly generous gift of a full size cello instrument… in order that I might continue to grow and mature in this beautiful musical skill.”

We were so happy to say YES. ❤️🎻

Through our Play It Forward program and our continued partnership with Brighton Music Center, Rachel received a full-size cello so she can continue learning, practicing, and growing as a musician.

Her response reminded us exactly why this mission matters:

“I feel such encouragement from you & this beautiful gift. I will proudly & confidently continue this year (& the years to come) knowing that this incredible instrument came from the beautiful support of you & your amazing foundation.”

Rachel, we cannot wait to see where your love of music takes you. Keep practicing, keep dreaming, and most importantly, keep playing. 🎶

A very special thank you to Brighton Music Center and Brad Wittmer for continuing to work alongside us to help put instruments into the hands of young musicians.

At The Farina Foundation, “It’s All About the KIDS.” ❤️

10/10/2026

Music belongs to everyone.

Universal Music Day celebrates music as a language we can all share—regardless of age, background, culture, experience, or ability. It encourages people everywhere to come together and make music, whether that means singing, playing an instrument, moving to the rhythm, or simply enjoying a favorite song with someone else.

Every person has a place in the music. Today, let’s listen, create, connect, and celebrate the power of making music together!

10/10/2026

On World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that mental health is an important part of everyone’s overall well-being—and that no one should have to struggle alone.

Music can reach us when words are difficult to find. It can provide comfort, encourage self-expression, reduce stress, build connections, and help us feel understood. Music therapy takes that connection further by using music intentionally to support emotional expression, coping skills, communication, self-awareness, and other individualized mental health goals.

Today and every day, let’s listen without judgment, lead with compassion, and recognize the many ways—including through music—that healing and hope can begin.

10/07/2026

It’s National Carry a Tune Week—a celebration of the melodies that stay with us and bring a little more joy to our days!

Whether you sing out loud, hum along, play an instrument, or simply tap your foot to the beat, there is always a way to carry music with you. What tune has been stuck in your head lately?

10/06/2026

🎶 SAVE THE DATE — NOVEMBER 12! 🎶

We’re excited to be part of a special Live Music Happy Hour & Instrument Drive! 💛🎷🎺

Join us on Thursday, November 12 from 5:30–7:30 PM at the Grand Hall at Priory Hotel on Pittsburgh’s North Side for an evening of live music featuring Jessica Lee, food, drinks, and community — all while helping us put instruments into the hands of young musicians.

🎺 Have an instrument you’re no longer using? Bring it with you!
Your donated instrument can be given a new life and help a child discover the joy, confidence, and opportunities that come through music.

We are especially in need of brass and woodwind instruments, particularly saxophones, but we welcome other instrument donations as well.

We are so grateful to be included in this event and hope you’ll come out, enjoy some great music with Jessica Lee, and support our mission!

📅 Thursday, November 12
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Grand Hall at The Priory Hotel – Pittsburgh’s North Side
🎤 Live Music featuring Jessica Lee

Come for the music. Bring an instrument. Help us make a difference through music. 🎶💛

10/05/2026

Behind every confident performance, first note, brave solo, and growing musician is a teacher who believed in the possibilities.

On World Teachers’ Day, we recognize all educators, with special appreciation for music teachers. Thank you for making room for creativity, adapting so every student can participate, and showing young people that progress is worth celebrating—even when it happens one note at a time.

Your work keeps music alive and helps the next generation find its voice.

10/04/2026

Happy International Toot Your Flute Day!

Celebrated on October 4, this special day honors the flute—one of humanity’s oldest musical instruments—while reminding us that it’s also okay to “toot our own horn.”

Today, take a moment to recognize something you have accomplished and be proud of how far you have come. Your achievements deserve to be celebrated!

What is one accomplishment—big or small—that you’re proud of lately? Step into the spotlight and toot your flute in the comments below! 👇✨

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

There’s nothing quite like the look on a child’s face the moment they pop open an instrument case for the very first time. ✨

To a kid, an instrument isn’t just wood, brass, or strings—it’s an open door to courage, creativity, and self-belief. Whether it’s discovering their rhythm, building friendships across music stands, or finding a safe space to express who they are, music gives children an outlet unlike anything else. 🎺🥁

Yet for far too many families, the steep cost of buying or renting an instrument keeps eager kids sitting on the sidelines.

No child should be left out of the band. That’s why we take pre-loved, donated instruments, breathe fresh life into them with complete tune-ups, and place them directly into the hands of young students ready to learn—turning curiosity into confidence, one note at a time. 🎵💛

Happy Kid’s Music Day! 🎷 What was the first instrument you or your child ever learned to play? Tell us in the comments below! 👇

10/01/2026

🎵 Today is all about celebrating the joy, healing, and connection that music brings to our world.

Music education provides a full-body workout for developing minds—enhancing focus, problem-solving, and self-expression. Yet far too many talented youth go without the chance to play simply because they lack access to instruments or lessons.

By bridging that gap and providing donated, refurbished instruments to students in need, music continues to thrive in our classrooms and communities. Every note played is a step toward a brighter future. 🎹✨

Celebrate today by putting on your favorite song, picking up an instrument, or supporting access to music education for the next generation\! 🎷